Solomon Islands
This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this
natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique
Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

Vanuatu
Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much
more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage
for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

Federated States of Micronesia
This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove
it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others.
Begin Your Journey!

Of all the countries of the South Pacific, Fiji is among the most unique and is
primarily due to the cultural influences the islands have received in recent history.
Although many Fijians still call the country home, later immigrants from various
countries, particularly India have changed the cultural dynamic in this small island
paradise.

The earliest people who called Fiji home lived off the lands and surrounded seas
for survival and even today the lifestyle in the country remains tied to the lands.
While this lifestyle has changed little over time, the culture has been altered
numerous times. Numerous waves of immigrants changed the ethnicity, language, food,
and more. Most of these early settlers arrived via the Solomon Islands and they
have distinct ethnic similarities to these people, who are considered Melanesian.
However, the people are also closely related to the Polynesians.

Like the ethnic mix on the islands, the Fijian language also contains aspects of
both Melanesian and Polynesian. However, most other cultural aspects in Fiji came
from Tonga and are heavily Polynesian influenced, including many of the foods.

Although many foods, the language, and the ethnicity are primarily based on regional
influences, much of the country's modern day culture is based on European influences.
The greatest of these influences came from the United Kingdom, which introduced
Christianity, the English language as a second language, ended cannibalism, added
new technology, and introduced Indian laborers in the late 1800s.

While many aspects of English culture survived, however perhaps the greatest change
came with the immigrating Indian population, who brought with them their own culture
and traditions, including languages, religions, foods, and dress. Today the ethnic
Indians make up nearly half of the island's total population and the divide
between the ethnic Indians and Fijians is obvious as both have solidified their
cultures on the island. However, the people also share many commonalities, such
as English, which is the language of communication, a lifestyle based off the land,
some foods, and other cultural aspects.